by Richard Cosgrove | Fri 14 Aug 2026
Hormicasa Canteras prioritizes productivity and fuel savings with the Develon DL420-7 loader
Based in Navarre in Spain, Hormicasa Canteras has added a second Develon loader to meet increased production demands at its Mendavia gravel pit and to reduce operating costs.
The constant pursuit of efficiency, productivity and profitability in aggregate extraction and processing operations has led Hormicasa to bolster its machinery fleet with a new Develon DL420-7 wheel loader. A leading company in Navarre and La Rioja for concrete manufacturing, aggregate extraction and waste management, the firm has once again placed its trust in the brand following a positive experience with a DL420-5 model purchased five years ago.
Hormicasa Canteras is a family-owned business with a long history in the sector. Currently managed by the third generation of the founding family, the company operates out of the Loar gravel pit in Mendavia (Navarre), where it extracts and processes various types of aggregates for use in concrete, asphalt mixtures and construction sub-bases.
"Our company dates back to our grandparents' time. Today, we are the third generation running the business and we remain committed to modernizing our processes to stay competitive," explains Jorge López, Manager of Hormicasa Canteras.
At the Mendavia site, extracted material first undergoes pre-screening before being moved to the washing plant, where it is cleaned and sorted into different grain sizes based on its intended use. Wheel loaders play a vital role in the entire production process. They are responsible for feeding the processing plant and loading the trucks that distribute materials to customers.
A second loader to boost operational capacity
"We acquired the first DL420-5 because we needed a loader capable of supplying material to the plant and loading trucks continuously. With the increase in daily workload, a single machine was no longer sufficient, and we needed to boost production," notes Jorge López. Satisfaction with the performance of the first unit was the deciding factor in repeating the experience with Develon.
“We were familiar with the brand and have a very good relationship with Reyvena—Develon’s official distributor in our area—as well as with the support team at Centrocar, the National Importer for Spain. We are very satisfied with the service provided, and since the DL420-5 had performed so well, we decided to opt for the new DL420-7, a more modern and efficient model,” he adds.
Superior productivity for intensive operations
Designed for demanding work environments such as quarries, gravel pits and aggregate plants, the Develon DL420-7 combines power, load capacity and operational efficiency. With a standard bucket capacity of 4.5 m³—one of the largest in its class—this model offers a productivity increase of up to 7% compared to the previous generation. The combination of a five-speed automatic Powershift transmission, heavy-duty axles and a high-capacity hydraulic system allows for high work rates, even during continuous loading and material handling operations.
Its high breakout and tractive forces facilitate penetration into compacted materials, while the hydraulic system ensures fast, precise movements to reduce cycle times and maximize output.
“We needed a machine capable of working long hours daily with high material volumes. The productivity offered by the DL420-7 allows us to maintain the pace required by our operations,” notes the Manager of Hormicasa.
Fuel savings make the difference
If there is one aspect that stands out particularly in Hormicasa Canteras’ experience with the new Develon loader, it is fuel consumption.
“The most significant feature of this model is undoubtedly the fuel savings. It was something we had always sought, and with the DL420-7 loader, we have seen a significant reduction in consumption. We are talking about a drop of between 1.5 and 2 l per hour—approximately 10% less than the previous model,” states López. The energy efficiency of the DL420-7 is the result of a combination of advanced technologies. Its Scania DC13 engine—compliant with European Stage V emission standards—incorporates high-pressure fuel injection and optimized electronic management to maximize combustion and minimize fuel consumption.
In addition, the machine features Situation Awareness Technology 2 (SAT2), which continuously analyzes the loader's activity and automatically adjusts engine performance to actual operating needs. This is complemented by three operating modes—AT, Normal and Power—allowing the machine's response to be tailored to each specific application. Automatic engine idling and shutdown systems also help reduce fuel consumption during periods of inactivity, while simultaneously improving operating costs and the operation's sustainability.
Greater comfort and a better operator experience
Another advancement highly valued by Hormicasa Canteras compared to the previous generation is found in the operator's station.
“At first glance, it might look like a similar machine, but the operator clearly notices the differences. The cab offers better visibility, greater comfort and superior ergonomics. The operators are very pleased with it,” explains Jorge López.
The new DL420-7 cab has been designed to enhance both operator comfort and safety. It features extensive glass areas to maximize visibility and modern touchscreens that manage all key machine functions, such as operating settings, the weighing system, climate control, the rear-view camera and the multimedia system. It also includes an integrated help function that provides quick access to information on machine operation, making the operators' daily work easier.
A commitment to the future
The addition of the Develon DL420-7 confirms Hormicasa Canteras' strategy of investing in machinery that delivers tangible improvements in productivity, efficiency and operating costs.
After five years of positive experience with the DL420-5, the Navarre-based company has found an evolution in the new generation that is capable of meeting the growing production demands of its business.
“When a machine performs well, is reliable and helps cut costs, sticking with the same brand is a logical decision. With the DL420-7, we have taken a step forward in efficiency and productivity,” concludes Jorge López.
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